Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP has an excellent reputation in high-profile international arbitrations, where it acts for the state, state-owned enterprises and investors in matters that are of strategic importance to Kazakhstan. Recent work includes advice to the Kazakh government in a UNCITRAL investor-state arbitration under the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Canada and the Soviet Union. Astana-based Askar Moukhitdinov co-heads the practice with three partners located outside of Kazakhstan, including New York-based Eric Gilioli and Paris-based Peter Wolrich and Geoffroy Lyonnet.

Daniyar Toigonbaev heads the litigation and dispute resolution practice at Dentons, which has an outstanding track record in complex commercial, corporate, administrative and tax disputes. The team is highly involved in matters against state authorities, acting for large enterprises that have been inspected for tax, environmental and other breaches. It is also active in high-profile international arbitrations; Aigoul Kenjebayeva has extensive experience as a Kazakh law expert in international arbitrations. Recent work has focused on the mining and oil and gas sectors, including the representation of major Kazakh steel producer ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC in disputes against the competition authority. Other key individuals include Victoria Simonova and counsel Artur Utarbayev.

Kinstellar LLP‘s versatile dispute resolution practice is a strong pick for major international law firms, with the team covering complex and cross-border commercial, environmental, construction, customs and tax disputes. It is led by Almaty-based Mukhit Yeleuov, whose industry sector expertise includes energy, construction and materials, mining and metals, and pharmaceuticals and life sciences, among others. Other significant drivers of work include arbitration proceedings and criminal investigations, the latter spanning areas such as allegations of fraud and corruption. Senior associate Dina Berkaliyeva is recommended for her advice to oil and gas companies in environmental disputes.

Unicase Law Firm has a proven track record in litigation, with experience across a broad range of industries such as oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, transport, construction, banking and telecommunications, among others. The team, whose further expertise includes international arbitration proceedings and criminal investigations, is the first port of call for government authorities, Kazakh and international companies, as well as investment and asset management institutions. Almaty-based Artem Timoshenko heads the practice, which also includes Sanzhar Amangeldy.

AEQUITAS focuses on complex cross-border litigation and commercial arbitration, as well as investment arbitration, in matters that are predominantly based outside of Kazakhstan. In cases with a foreign element, the team collaborates with specialists from respective jurisdictions, bringing outbound work to international law firms. Practice head Ardak Idayatova, who also heads the firm’s infrastructure and PPP practice, has extensive experience of construction arbitration, particularly those concerning FIDIC contracts. Elsewhere, the group has expertise in disputes connected to employment, banking and bankruptcy, among others. Valikhan Shaikenov left the firm in February 2022 to found Shaikenov Law Experts (SHEL).

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP‘s team in Almaty and Astana works alongside the firm’s London office to represent Kazakh and international clients in complex high-value disputes. The practice is focused on international arbitration proceedings, although it has increasingly handled matters in local arbitral tribunals, as well as local litigation. Managing partner and general director Aset Shyngyssov leads the team, whose experience in this field covers construction projects, oil and gas, corporate and tax disputes. Another name to note is Asem Bakenova, who focuses on infrastructure-related projects.

Formed in 2020, dispute resolution boutique Tukulov & Kassilgov Litigation LLP has affirmed its place among the leading law firms in Kazakhstan. Tax and customs litigation has been an area of significant growth for the group, although it is also well-placed to handle complex corporate and commercial litigation, including insolvency-related matters, as well as disputes involving intellectual property and technology disputes. Recent work has involved clients operating in the telecommunications, construction, banking and pharmaceutical sectors. Almaty-based partners Bakhyt Tukulov and Ravil Kassilgov head the practice, which also includes Nataliya Shapovalova.

Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP assists businesses in the resolution of complex commercial disputes. Almaty-based Dinara Tanasheva represented Kazakh and multinational companies with various state authorities and courts, including tax and administrative disputes. Tanasheva co-heads the practice with director Aziz Abdukarimov.

MG Partners has experience in disputes related to commercial and corporate law. Recent work has involved clients operating in the construction, telecommunications and financial services sectors. Inna Revazova, Darya Markina and Meruet Zhunubayeva co-head the practice. Another name to note is managing partner Nurlan Sultanbayev, who has over fifteen years of experience representing large corporations and business partners in litigation and arbitration proceedings. The firm has offices in Astana, Almaty and Karaganda.